Pearl City Locksmith
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Glossary of Locksmith Terminology

Confused about the difference between cutting a key and duplicating a key?

Want to prepare before you explain your lock problem over the phone?

Help Pearl City Locksmith help you! Brush up on the most commonly used terms in locksmithing with Pearl City Locksmith's Glossary of Locksmith Terms, or just call us with your questions at 548-1999.

Access Control System

A system wherein many parties have access to a common door, gate, or other locked area. A building manager or other administrator has control over who has access and who doesn't, and to what areas. Commonly used in commercial buildings.

Blank

An uncut key. In the case of transponder keys, a key that is both uncut and unprogrammed.

Change locks

[service] Replace old lock hardware with new lock hardware. Pearl City Locksmith can re-key the new lock to fit your existing keys, or give you new keys with your new lock.

Chip Key

(see Transponder Key)

Cylinder

The part in a lock that turns when you turn your key inside it. It activates the locking mechanism. Can be changed without changing the entire lock for purposes of re-keying.

Cut Key

[service] Create a new key; not to be confused with key duplication.

Deadbolt

A door lock. More secure than a doorknob because it cannot be picked. Can be single or double-sided (key entryway on one or two sides). Pearl City Locksmith recommends use of a deadbolt on all entry doors in conjunction with a doorknob.

Doorknob

Hardware for securing a door. Also known as Entry Door Knob.

Duplication

(see Key Duplication) [service] make a copy of an existing key; not to be confused with cutting a key.

High-Security Lock

A heavy-duty lock that requires professional skill and tools to pick. Cannot be "bumped." Pearl City Locksmith carries high security locks of commercial and military grade.

Key Duplication

[service] make a copy of an existing key; not to be confused with cutting a key.

Key Reconstruction

[service] create a key to match an existing lock when all original keys have been lost.

Keyless Entry

Method of opening locks without a traditional key. Method can be electronic or mechanical.

Lock

Hardware for securing doors, including doorknobs, deadbolts, and latches are all types of locks.

Laser Key

A key cut using a special laser cutting machine. Cannot be duplicated on regular duplicating machines. Not all locksmiths carry laser cutting technology. Also contains an electronic chip that must be programmed (similar to transponder keys).

Lock Re-Key

(see Re-Key) [service]

Lockout

[service] When the locksmith opens a lock of any type. Usually for cars, houses, or apartments.

Master Key

Opens all locks on the corresponding Master Key System. Individual keys on the system are limited to opening individual locks. Useful for building managers, commercial buildings, and property managers.

Master Key System

A system in which one "master" key can open all the individual locks in the system, but individual-door keys can only open a single door.

Re-Key

[service] Manipulate a lock so that different keys open it.

Transponder Key

(also known as Chip Key or Electronic Chip Key) A vehicle key with an electronic chip lodged in the head. The chip has a code that the car is programmed to recognize. Without a correctly programmed chip in the key, the ignition will not start.